But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

And when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received every man a shilling.

But when the first also came, they thought that they should receive more: and they also received every man a penny.

And when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

'And the first having come, did suppose that they shall receive more, and they received, they also, each a denary,

and when the first came, they expected to get more, but they also each got the shilling.

Then those who came first had the idea that they would get more; and they, like the rest, were given a penny.

Then when the first ones also came forward, they considered that they would receive more. But they, too, received one denarius.

So, when the first went up, they thought that they would receive more, but they also received two silver coins each;

They supposed that they should have received more - They had worked longer - they had been in the heat; they supposed that it was his intention to pay them, not according to contract, but according to the time of the labor.

But when the first came,.... Who were early hired into the vineyard; and design either the first saints that were in the world; or the Jews that first believed in Christ, either really or nominally; or such, who were called by grace in their early days:
they supposed, or "hoped", as the Syriac version renders it,
that they should have received more; than a penny, a greater reward: not that they could expect it on the foot of their agreement, or on account of their work; but because they observed, that they that came last into the vineyard, had as much as they agreed for; and therefore hoped, from the goodness of their Lord to them, that they should receive more:
and they likewise received every man a penny; the selfsame privileges of the Gospel, and a title to the selfsame reward of free grace, the selfsame glory and happiness.

But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more--This is that calculating, mercenary spirit which had peeped out--though perhaps very slightly--in Peter's question (Matthew 19:27), and which this parable was designed once for all to put down among the servants of Christ.

They murmured. Those who had worked all day. Like the elder brother (Luke 15:28-30).

The first supposed they should have received more - Probably the first here may mean the Jews, who supposed they should always be preferred before the Gentiles.